Theodore Westbrook Jr

Theodore Westbrook, Jr. was born on September 24, 1928, to Theodore Westbrook, Sr. and Charlotte (Holman) in Fort Worth, Texas, and peacefully passed unto Eternal Life on December 11, 2011.

Ted joined the U. S. Navy at 17 and saw the world. He was assigned to the Underwater Demolition Team (now Navy SEALS). Ted said, "I didn't mind the explosives, but was sure scared of those sharks!" He served our country for 29 years during WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. He married Erma Jean Moore in 1954 and had three sons and a daughter during their marriage; Ted was devoted to his children. After military retirement, he graduated from San Diego City College with a degree in psychology. Ted loved San Diego, and led a full, happy life while building lasting friendships.

Following an injury in 2000, Ted moved to Las Vegas and later became one of the charter residents at the Nevada State Veterans Home in Boulder City. Dad ("call me 'Teddy'") received and deeply appreciated the respect, love, and tender care of countless staff, nurses, CNAs, volunteers, and his special massage therapist. How many times did you hear him holler "Hey!" as you passed his door? For 11 years Dad was a living example of Philippians 4:13, never questioning why or complaining about his condition.

An infectious smile, a sense of humor, colorful language, and the gift of gab earned him the love of everyone at Vet's. His second roommate, the late Joe Oakes, was the brother he never had, and Dad was blessed with great roommates until early 2011.

He loved holding court on his birthday - the biggest day of the year - handing out pieces of a huge cake, basking in all the warm wishes received as his own, and the extended NSVH, family dropped by all day. Ted looked forward to casino visits; fishing at the park; the annual car exhibit; live shows in NSVH Town Hall; thoughtful meals from Richard; regular chats with Ramona, Bryan, and Guillermo; reviewing the jazz greats and music during Terry's annual trips; celebrating The Lord's Supper with Carl; munching on KFC drumsticks and heart-to-hearts with Toni; and watching any and all sports as long as he could watch them with Doug The Bug. He was delighted by surprise visits from Skip The Dip and Chris Economaki (Psalm 127: 4-5a NIV). Dad's special treasures were visits "at home with Doug and Toni" during the summer, Thanksgiving, and Christmas - when family and friends gathered to pay homage to the big man himself. A brief prayer before eating, a cold beer or two, and long talks - or naps! - were the order of the day. A private man in his faith, Dad assured us in September "I'm on that train to Heaven!"

Dad was predeceased by his parents, his sister Barbara Jean (Middlebrooks), and longtime love Mae Wills. He is survived by his children Theatrice (Sibylle), Douglas (Toni), Gloria Renee, and Christopher. Further survived by grandchildren Dana, Kimberly, Latryce, Ashley, fellow cook Zebulan 'Zebediah,' Alyosha, Nalan, five great-grandchildren, and many, many friends.

Heartfelt thanks and love to Dr. Jorgenson; the angels disguised as Superwomen at NSVH - Betty, Debra, Vivian, Felicia, and the late Ramona Riley, to name but a few; Chaplain Wally and his beloved Anita; the late Carl Frank; lastly, to our cousin Darnell Horton - for the best ride of Dad's life when we needed you most. A very special shout-out and thanks to Dr. Akbar, Nurse Jo, and the entire nursing and care-giving staff on Second Floor CICU at San Marten Hospital whose keen observations gave us precious months with Papi. Thank you to faithful prayer warriors at Hope Baptist Church and throughout the valley who made the difference on earth and in Heaven for Teddy. To all those unnamed individuals providing care and comfort to Dad (you know who you are) and to those who took Doug and me under their wings and helped us this past week, we cannot thank you enough so we will ask The Lord to return to you a double portion.

To our NSVH family who took the time to stop by Joshua Tree Boulevard - Room 343, since late Sunday night, you hugged us and loved on us and let us cry and talk, and then you blessed us with how you will remember Big Chocolate. Your memories and words are a testament to Dad and our Christmas gifts this year. Thanks for easing our pain and helping us to laugh - Dad would've been so pleased!

"Theodore Westbrook touched numerous lives positively and in love; that is the mark of a rich man." Larger than life, he was and remains our hero.

Funerals service will be held on Monday, December 19, 2011 at 10:40 am at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Nevada Veterans Home Activities Department in the name of Theodore Westbrook. Family and friends can sign an online memorial guestbook at www.bouldercityfamilymortuary.com .